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Mile Markers Running

Mile Markers: Out in the Elements

Seattle winters aren’t for fairweather runners. We may not get the bitter cold and mountains of snow like the Midwest and Northeast (and I’m grateful for that), but we forget the feeling of sunshine. This week of running and skiing was a battle against the elements – rain, wind, and decently cold temperatures. 

The damp and cold weather triggered Raynaud’s-like symptoms in my hands this past week. I have to remember to wear gloves on my runs even when the temperature was in the mid-40s, because otherwise, my hands turn white, then purple-ish, then red, and remain numb and cold for the rest of the day. I made that mistake one day and quickly remembered to not leave my hands uncovered when out in the elements. 

Mile Markers: Out in the Elements

Monday: 4 mile run

A giant hill looms near one of my routes, so I decided to tackle this hill. I ran it this beast – 150 feet of elevation gain in approximately one-third of a mile – once before with Ryan. The hill is within the first mile, which makes it extra challenging – but after climbing that, the rest of the run felt relaxed.

Tuesday: 6 mile run & strength training

I took Ollie out for a run and we had the unfortunate timing of running the garbage truck route on a normally low traffic route. Poor Ollie is terrified of large trucks and would drop down to the ground, quivering, whenever the truck passed us. Overall, this was a good run, but Ollie was done by 6 miles, so I called it a day as well. 

Mile Markers: Out in the Elements

This strength training workout kicked my butt in a good way. I used a 26 lb kettlebell (this awesome one from Rep Fitness) and completed the following workout: 

Mobility:
Shoulder release on foam roller
2 sets of 10 lateral band walks
2 sets of 10 arm swings

Strength:
3 sets of: 
10 kettlebell swings
10 kettlebell sumo squats to high pulls
10 kettlebell single-leg deadlifts
10 kettlebell split squats with pass
10 kettlebell pull, snatch, press
10 side planks with twist
30 seconds jumping lunges
10 planks with knee dips

Wednesday: 4 mile run

I took Charlie out for a short run, with the intention of completing 3-4 miles. We ran four miles in a steady drizzle, keeping our pace easy especially on the slick wood of the boardwalk. The light run loosened up my legs after strength training the night before. 

Mile Markers: Out in the Elements

Thursday: 35 minute Pilates workout

I did the same Magic Circle Body Symmetry workout from Pilatesology as I did last week. The combination of strengthening, mobility work, and stretching compliments running so well. Once the rain let up, I took the dogs for a long walk.

Friday: 4 mile tempo run

I know it’s not ideal to do a speed workout before a long run, but both Ollie and I wanted to run fast on Friday. I desired a faster pace because I did not dress appropriately for the real feel of 20 degrees (thanks to 20 mph winds), and Ollie wanted to run fast because a flock of ducks at the start of our run excited his hunting/herding instincts. (Also, I needed to tire him out because he was literally bouncing off the furniture that morning.) We averaged 7:33/mile for 4 miles, with the first mile at 8:01 and the final mile at 7:16. 

Mile Markers: Out in the Elements

Saturday: 12 mile long run

Ryan and I were both glad to be done with this run. Our 12-mile long run started in the rain, fighting against a fierce headwind.  We maintained a very easy pace to conserve energy against the wind. After the turn-around point on our out-and-back route, we enjoyed some respite from the wind.

But then… Ollie slightly paused, and I looked down to see a rabbit in his mouth. We had seen a rabbit sitting on the trail on our way out, not moving – it appeared to be old or ill. Before I could spot it on our return, Ollie had it – the rabbit didn’t’ even try to run away. Thankfully, Ollie did not bite the rabbit – he soft-mouth carried it and dropped it quickly. There were no wounds or blood but the poor thing was clearly in shock. We spent a few minutes trying to see if the rabbit was okay, but it didn’t move (and yes, there were a couple tears on my part). 

The last 3.5 miles were just focused on finishing the run – Ollie was upset from being disciplined and Ryan and I were upset about the rabbit. Then the three of us stopped at a nearby burger drive-in and ate French fries (yes, even Ollie ate some) as we warmed up from a cold, windy, rainy, mildly traumatizing run. 

Sunday: Skiing

We had our final ski lesson on Sunday.  While 20 inches of fresh snow in the past 48 hours alone, the snow level was fantastic – but the drizzle of rain and thick fog were less the ideal weather. Still, some rain isn’t going to keep us indoors!  We warmed up on a quick green run before our lessons. The final lesson was so valuable – we refined our turns and practice transversing more. After the hour and 45 minute lesson, Ryan and I spent the next couple hours skiing green and blue hills. We had to take it slow because of the thick fog at the top of the mountain – I couldn’t see more than a couple yards ahead – but we had so much fun. 

Mile Markers: Out in the Elements

A week of running and skiing out in the winter elements via @thisrunrecipes #weeklywrap #runchat…

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18 Comments

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Comments

  1. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    January 29, 2018 at 2:52 am

    Its so hard to go for days or week without sunshine! Even when its really cold here, being in the sun can make a huge difference. Your long run sounds like it was pretty stressful! Glad the rabbit was ok and you got to enjoy an indulgent post-run meal.

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      At least we don’t get bitter cold temperatures, which makes the rain easier!

      Reply
  2. Allie Capo-Burdick says

    January 29, 2018 at 4:01 am

    OMG the rabbit! That is crazy but I can totally understand how that can happen so quickly. Star once scooped up an already dead mouse in a flash on a walk one day and it was absolutely disgusting. At least you had burgers and fries to help you get over it.
    And the skiing!!! Too bad about the drizzle but at least you had tons of fresh snow. I hope you were able to really enjoy it – the conditions here have been pretty bad 🙁

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      I am just so grateful Ollie has a soft mouth! I can imagine how disgusting that dead mouse was. I hope you get some fresh snow soon!

      Reply
  3. angela @ happy Fit mama says

    January 29, 2018 at 5:58 am

    Cooper once got a chipmunk. He likes to chase them in the backyard. I think it surprised him that he caught it because as soon as he did, he spit it out. And hooray for skiing!

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:48 pm

      Ha that is funny that he surprised himself! I would hope that Ollie would do that, but he gets so pumped up on adrenaline with anything (sticks, water, rabbits).

      Reply
  4. Wendy says

    January 29, 2018 at 9:45 am

    I am amazed that Ollie can run that fast with you for 4 miles! As far as the rabbit goes, you can’t blame a dog for acting like a dog, right? At least the rabbit was ok. Nature can be so cruel!

    Oh, that mountain shot! At that Mountainfilm fest my sister and I attended, there were some amazing ski videos. We in the midwest just don’t get that kind of experience! I’m sure you are enjoying it.

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      I first skied back a decade ago in the Midwest and it is s different type of experience out here! I really do enjoy it. And Ollie is a speedster! I never push him on a run and I’m pretty sure he would run faster if I could keep up with him.

      Reply
  5. Laura says

    January 29, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    That’s a speedy tempo run! I love the kb workout too- those are some of my favorites. They can be short and still so effective!

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      Thank you! I love how good of a workout even 15 minutes with the kettlebell can be!

      Reply
  6. meredith @ cookie chrunicles says

    January 29, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    I didn’t run much this week since I was away but now I’m in the mood for a good run tomorrow! I don’t think it will happen outside but sometimes I don’t mind the treadmill.

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      I hope you have some good outdoor runs this week!

      Reply
  7. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    January 29, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    The kettlebell workout sounds awesome! My friend has a set of heavier kettlebells and he loves them. I’ve never gone running with dogs but would to sometime…but we’d probably have to take it slow!

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you – you should try the kettlebell workout! It really depends on the dog breed, but they pick it up pretty quickly. It surprises me how fast even Charlie can go once he got used to running!

      Reply
  8. Hannah says

    January 29, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    Ollie had quite the eventful week of running! And I’m sure he is already raring to go again.

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 30, 2018 at 4:51 pm

      He did – and you know he loved it! He ran on Monday and spent today sulking about rest… because he adapts to every stimulus we give him!

      Reply
  9. HoHo Runs says

    January 30, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    it’s cool you took ski lessons! I love to snow ski. I do have Raynaud’s and gloves don’t do a thing for me. In fact, keeping my fingers separated only makes it worse. Mittens do help, especially for snow skiing. I know how you feel — my dogs often catch birds and squirrels and drop them at the back door like prizes for us. My heart breaks for the animals they’ve caught. Thanks for linking!

    Reply
    • Laura Norris says

      January 31, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      Thank you! I do have running mittens, but I need the reminder to wear them when it’s “warmer.” My heart breaks for the poor animals also! And the dogs don’t know better so they think they did something good. Thank you for hosting!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Laura! I'm a distance runner, RRCA certified running coach, and outdoor enthusiast living in the greater Seattle area. Whether you want to run your first race or qualify for Boston, I'm here to help you achieve your personal best with training tips, coaching services, and nutritious recipes to fuel your running.

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